Tuesday, February 4, 2020

IWSG Blog Hop: What Inspired Me to Write a Story, #World Read Aloud Day

IWSG Badge
IWSG Blog Hop---the first Wednesday of every month.
Hello and welcome to the Insecure Writer's Support Group Blog Hop! 
Always on the first Wednesday of the month.
What is the Insecure Writer's Support Group?
Founded by author Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group offers support for writers and authors alike. It provides an online database, articles and tips, a monthly blog posting, a Facebook and Instagram group, Twitter, and a monthly newsletter. To find out more, click this link:  Insecure Writer’s Support Group

The purpose of the group is 
* to share and encourage. 
* Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. 
* Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. 
*It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! 
You're invited to become a member of this supportive group. Click here to sign-up to join.
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Happy IWSG Day!
Add caption

Question for February 5

February Question 

February 5 question - 
Has a single photo or work of art ever inspired a story? 
What was it and did you finish it?
Dangerous Sanctuary by J.Q. Rose
Romantic suspense
I'm sorry to say I have not been inspired by a photo or artwork to write a story. However, story ideas come from the stories in the news. I wrote an entire romantic suspense novel based on a newspaper article about a motorcoach exploding at a campground. Everyone got out alright with no injuries, including their service animals--a pig, a kangaroo, and a goat. Yes! That's a true story. Of course, my version in the novel, Dangerous Sanctuary, is not true. But so fun to write!

CELEBRATE WORLD READ ALOUD DAY 
ON FEBRUARY 5!
2 Boys Reading to Each Other

The World Read Aloud Celebration is a new one for me. However, LitWorld and Scholastic have promoted this special day for 11 years. Now, according to the Scholastic site, 173 countries celebrate the occasion! 

Join in. Here are the rules! 

1.Select a book 
2. Find a buddy 
3. Read aloud 
4. Share your favorite read-aloud moments on social media with #WorldReadAloudDay and be sure to tag @Scholastic, @LitWorldSays and 3 friends so they can join, too!
Click here to go to the Scholastic site.

I know when I read to my kids, my grandkids, my third-grade students, I felt all warm and fuzzy inside to share a quiet, special time with them. No matter what your age, reading a story or hearing a story read aloud is appreciated. 

I'll be presenting a workshop in Telling Life Stories this week, and I plan to read a few stories to the participants. Every time I've done this, they always listen intently and enjoy the time. It works both ways. I love hearing them share their life stories with the class.

Author and teacher Jacqui Murray is the one who brought attention to this day on her blog, Word Dreams. Click here to link to her informative post about why writers should celebrate the day and the importance of reading aloud.

GOOD NEWS! 99 Cent eBook February 4-February 7
Your Words, Your Life Story: A Guide to Sharing Memories

The content in this eBook is what I use to present Life Storytelling workshops. 
Easy to read and understand for those who want to learn how 
to share their life stories with family, friends and the world! 
Get your eBook copy now for 99 cents!


Click here to download the digital copy from your favorite online bookseller.
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23 comments:

L. Diane Wolfe said...

A pig, a kangaroo, and a goat? What an unusual assortment of pets in a camper.

Sarah Foster said...

There's definitely a lot of story ideas you could get from the news.

J.Q. Rose said...

Yes, Diane, that's what caught my eye. Supposedly they were service animals. In my book, I only had Pastor Christine take care of the pig and kangaroo and didn't mention a goat. That would just be too unbelievable!!

J.Q. Rose said...

Hi Sarah, when I look back at my stories, I see most of them came from quirky news stories. Florida is like that--lots of quirky characters and situations here. Plenty of fodder for the imagination. Thanks for stopping in.

Ellen Jacobson said...

A pig, kangaroo and goat service animal? Wow! What great inspiration for a story.

Pat Garcia said...

Hi,
I too get the twist to a plot in my stories by listening to the news.
Wishing you all the best.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange

cleemckenzie said...

News stories are a great resource, I agree.

Jacqui said...

I had to think pretty hard to come up with my picture but then, it was obvious. Albeit from 30 years ago!

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

The news is a great source for stories. I've never used any, but I just may in the future.

emaginette said...

I guess I'd better scan some headlines. hehehe

Anna from elements of emaginette

M.J. Fifield said...

I always love hearing about other authors' sources of inspiration. I've never been inspired by a news story...and now I'm wondering why that is.

Juneta key said...

Like your story source. Happy IWSG!

Elizabeth Seckman said...

I'll have to put that on my calendar for next year!

I often get my character names from TV- just whatever name I hear next is what I'll go with. That's not overly creative, but true- especially for minor characters.

J.Q. Rose said...

I bet you could make a funny story with this too.

J.Q. Rose said...

Thanks for stopping, Pat. The news stories are pretty crazy.

J.Q. Rose said...

Yes, but sadly newspapers are disappearing.

J.Q. Rose said...

Try it, Joylene. They'll wake up your muse.

J.Q. Rose said...

I haven't been inspired by a photo, but I will look at them now to see if inspiration hits.

J.Q. Rose said...

Thanks, Juneta

J.Q. Rose said...

Yes, I think that's a great name. But never write it down. I should keep a name file.

Diane Burton said...

News articles inspire me, too. They say truth is stranger than fiction. I'd say those service animals were pretty strange. Hope you're enjoying sunny FL. We're freezing up here in Snowland. lol

J.Q. Rose said...

So glad you did find that picture of Lucy. Love your story behind her inspiration.

J.Q. Rose said...

Yes!Truth is stranger than fiction in the stories that inspire me, for sure. I heard about the 6 inches of snow yesterday (Sunday.) Sorry, I'm late in replying.

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